Big Game, Big Stage

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God, I hate this guy



Columbia Lions vs. Pennsylvania Quakers

HOMECOMING 2011



October 15th, 2011

Location: Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium on the Baker Athletics Complex

Kickoff Time: 3:30pm

Gametime Weather Forecast: Sunny, WINDY, 64 degrees


The Spread: Penn is favored by 10 1/2 points


Columbia Game Notes


Penn Game Notes


TV/Radio

The game is being broadcast live on Versus.

You can catch audio of the game on the SideLion Pass on GoColumbiaLions.com with Jerry Recco and Sal Licata. If you're in your car, WKCR student radio is at 89.9 FM, (and you can get its feed over the internet too).



HOW TO GET TO THE GAME:

My 2011 Guide to getting to Wien Stadium

*REMEMBER* the #1 Subway train WILL be running tomorrow!

Here's a good link with lots of info on more things you need to know for Homecoming 2011.


Backstories

Under more fire than ever, the Columbia coaching staff is under pressure to get a win on this huge Homecoming stage. A win tomorrow, and most of the talk of replacing them will be muted.

Columbia is looking to reverse a lot of bad vibes with what most people would consider a miracle win in front of the big Homecoming game crowd.

Here's a quick look at the old and recent history the Lions want to make people forget:

-Columbia hasn't won a Homecoming game since 2000.

-Columbia hasn't beaten Penn since 1996.

-Penn has won 17 of its last 19 contests against the Lions including the last 14 straight, including six straight Homecoming games at Wien Stadium.

-After enduring similarly weak overall records from the 1956 formation of the Ivy League through 1981, Penn suddenly turned a corner and has been the dominant team in the league since 1982. Columbia's fortunes have not improved for any long period of time.


On Penn's side, the Quakers never seem to take the Lions lightly no matter what the difference in their won-lost records. Penn has won each of the last six games at Wien Stadium by two TD's or more.

Rubbing salt in Columbia's wounds is a Penn specialty.

The Quakers are clearly down a peg or two on the quality scale compared to last year and 2009, but they're still riding a 16 game Ivy winning streak.



Columbia's Keys to the Game



Do Something DIFFERENT

Columbia can't expect to beat or even compete with Penn if it tries to do the same things it's been doing en route to the Lions' 0-4 record.

It's long past time to tear up the playbook and show an opponent and entirely different look.


Capitalize on Penn's Agression

On defense, the Quakers aren't likley to lay back on coverage. I expect blizes and speed rushes all day. A well executed screen pass or two could neutralize that and so could a stready diet of option running plays.


Stack Eight Men in the Box and Make Ragone Pass

Penn QB Billy Ragone is improving as a passer, but the Lion defense still needs to fear him more when he runs the ball.


Use the Crowd


The stands should be almost completely filled tomorrow and the Lions need to tap into that energy as much as possible.

There are a number of ways to do that, but keeping the team jumping and vocal on the sidelines is one idea.